I'm probably the most single person I know. As someone who went the entire 4 years of college boyfriend-less, I definitely know a thing or two about living that single life. I understand more than ever the endless pressure a girl can face when she is literally the only one of her friends without a boy in her life, and to be honest I won't lie and say it doesn't suck sometimes. Of course, there are moments when I don't want to have to avoid that awkward question from family members that we all know too well-- "So any boys in your life?" or my personal favorite, "You're so pretty, how come you're not with anyone???". I usually try to dodge these questions with a simple laugh and a quick joke about how boys are stupid. But if I'm being completely honest it actually hurts more then I'm willing to admit. So if any other single lady can relate, here's a quick word--we're in this together.
Here's 4 things I'd like to share with my fellow 20-something-year-old single ladies:
1. While I don't necessarily agree with the whole "you have to love yourself before you can love someone else" crap, I do believe that being selfish and learning to live entirely on your own terms is extremely important in order to completely figuring out your own strengths and weaknesses. Because even though people can offer you advice, at the end of the day you are the only one who can completely understand who you truly are and what you want in life.
2. If you ever plan on marrying someone down the line, you will be grateful for those years when you were entirely alone. Think about it, if marriage involves loving someone for the rest of your life (AKA the majority of your life), then that means you will literally never be alone again. Take advantage of the time you have to yourself now, so you can truly appreciate the years down the road with your significant other.
3. Being single means more time for the development of yourself. Instead of focusing on what is absent from your life try focusing on your career, goals, and aspirations. There is literally no better time to devote yourself completely to what you're passionate about then now. Set goals and maintain progress in tracking them. There's no greater feeling then achieving what you set your mind to.
4. Being single in your 20s can be entirely what you make it. It can be the most dreadful time in your life if you allow yourself to harp on what you're missing out on. But it can be amazing if you embrace the freedom you have to not be tied down to someone, and instead wake up with your own set of priorities and terms. Treat yourself from time to time and never give into the pressure to date someone "just because"--you're worth more then that.
